172,371
Massage Therapists
100%
Accepting patients
81%
Most common: LMT
FindClarity lists 172,371 massage therapists nationwide. 100% are currently accepting new patients. The most common credential is LMT (81%).
Licensed massage therapists (LMTs) use manual techniques to manipulate muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue to relieve pain, reduce stress, improve circulation, and support recovery from injuries. Education requirements vary by state but typically involve 500 to 1,000 hours of training from an accredited massage therapy program, covering anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and hands-on technique. Most states require licensure and continuing education.
Massage therapists practice various modalities including Swedish (relaxation), deep tissue (chronic tension), sports massage (athletic recovery), myofascial release, trigger point therapy, and neuromuscular therapy. Some specialize in specific populations: prenatal massage, geriatric massage, or oncology massage (for cancer patients).
While often associated with relaxation and spas, massage therapy has clinical applications supported by research. It is used in pain management programs, physical rehabilitation, and as a complement to treatment for chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, low back pain, headaches, and anxiety.
See a massage therapist for chronic muscle tension and pain (especially back, neck, and shoulders), recovery from sports injuries or intense exercise, headaches or migraines related to muscle tension, fibromyalgia, stress and anxiety reduction, post-surgical recovery (with your surgeon's approval), pregnancy-related discomfort (with a prenatal-certified therapist), and as part of a pain management plan alongside medical treatment. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before starting massage therapy.
A first session begins with a health intake form and brief discussion about your goals, problem areas, and any medical conditions. The therapist will leave the room while you undress to your comfort level and lie on the massage table under a sheet. During the session (typically 60 to 90 minutes), the therapist works on the areas discussed, adjusting pressure based on your feedback. You should speak up if the pressure is too much or too little. After the session, the therapist may recommend stretches, hydration, and a follow-up schedule. Mild soreness for a day or two after deep tissue work is normal.
60-minute session: $60-120 · 90-minute session: $90-170 · With insurance (when covered): $20-50 copay · Massage school clinic: $25-50 · Corporate wellness: often subsidized
Coverage is limited but expanding. Some health plans cover massage therapy when prescribed by a doctor for a specific medical condition (chronic pain, injury rehabilitation). Workers' compensation and auto injury (PIP) insurance often cover massage as part of injury treatment. HSA and FSA funds can be used for massage therapy prescribed by a doctor. Most people pay out of pocket. Medicare does not cover massage. Check your specific plan.
For chronic pain or injury recovery, weekly or biweekly sessions for four to eight weeks can produce the best results, then tapering to maintenance frequency. For general stress management and wellness, monthly sessions are common. Your massage therapist will recommend a schedule based on your condition. More frequent sessions are not always better; the body needs time to respond between sessions.
Massage therapists work on muscles, tendons, and soft tissue using manual pressure and manipulation techniques. Chiropractors are doctors (DC) who focus on the spine and joints, using adjustments to correct alignment and treat pain. Massage therapy and chiropractic care complement each other, and many patients use both. Massage therapists cannot perform spinal adjustments, and chiropractors do not typically provide extended soft tissue work.
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Insurance coverage for massage therapy is limited. When covered, it typically requires a physician prescription for a specific medical diagnosis. Workers' compensation and auto injury insurance cover massage as part of rehabilitation. HSA and FSA funds can cover massage with a doctor's letter of medical necessity. Some employer wellness programs include massage benefits. Out-of-pocket costs are the norm for most people. Community massage clinics and massage schools offer reduced-rate sessions.